Facile Synthesis of BiVO4 for Visible-Light-Induced C-C Bond Cleavage of Alkenes to Generate Carbonyls.

BiVO4 crystals synthesized by an ultrasonic-assisted method (Sono-BiVO4 ) showed improved efficiency as a heterogeneous photocatalyst under visible-light irradiation. Sono-BiVO4 was successfully used for the C-C bond cleavage of alkenes to generate carbonyl compounds. Styrene derivatives were converted into carbonyl compounds in the presence of Sono-BiVO4 under highly sustainable conditions requiring only natural sources, that is, molecular oxygen, visible light, and water at room temperature. Additionally, Sono-BiVO4 could be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused.